So we should never question any single decision a professional organization does... ever? The people in charge may not even be here around the time where either sign Springer long term or trade him. Luhnow has done a tremendous job building up a system that had nothing in it... but it doesn't guarantee that all these seeds will turn into a winning product at the big league level... which again, is most definitely the end game (even though its been fun this year following just the minor league guys). Am I looking forward to another two months of watching Jimmy Paredes get AB's? No. Would I rather see Springer? Yes. Do I think he's the perfect player right now? No. Am I a fan of purposely delaying players getting deserved promotions for service time issues? No. Do I think Springer would be up here right now had he been drafted by the current people in charge? Yes (Don't really blame them for that one... GM's are always going to have a special place for "their" guys). Do I think we should always trust an organization no matter what type of moves/decisions they make? I used to... but after watching how quickly a regime can change, and how quickly a franchise can be decimated to a laughing stock under the guise of so-called "experts", there is no perfect way to do anything.
Hoes in left, grossman in right, springer in center. Grossman and Hoes both walk/hit and springer drives them in with a homerun. Perfect.
Wheres Paredes? Oh right, he's undercutting Hoes breaking his leg, and knocking Grossman over leading to concussions.... and hitting .178 doing so.
I'll say this...eventually Springer is gonna be called up. And that's gonna be awesome. I hope his first called up game is a home game so we can all be there for it.
It has nothing to do with questioning or not. That's your right as a fan. But with every argument, there's a counter-argument. I'm saying that there are countless reasons and there's really no proof of how a decision impacts a player directly in this scenario. My only concern is that bringing him up right now takes away a couple things; the amount of time dedicated to him and possibly some live at-bats since the ML club is there to do what they need to do, which is to "try" to compete and win games. Maybe, just maybe, there is the idea that calling up your prospects could make a difference and win a few more games. Maybe there is some tanking involved although I don't think that's the case here. As much as some teams (TB Rays come to mind) tend to delay their prospects for the extra month into the season in order to get that extra year, there was no reason for the Astros to make certain moves if they feel that that's their plan. The Astros has been bringing players up, and in some cases (Altuve) worked on extensions. I like to believe that they feel that there are concerns that could be addressed in AAA ball that would be harder to adjust in the ML. You are free to question, but there is just no way to tell what's in their minds and why they decided on what they decide. They sure won't be addressing his deficiencies to the public.
I know a blogger who reports on the minor leagues..travels to see them. Says Springer's two-strike discipline is absolutely terrible...like beyond terrible. I know there are counter-arguments for that. But if Porter really has his list of things he wants to see before he brings up those guys he sees as long-term solutions, then I can be patient and wait it out. Springer will get his shot, I'm sure.
Besides, what you are saying is basically what I said in my earlier post. I'm sure people would like to see Springer, but it's not really that many that would know too much about him to bring interest to the club sending him up now. As of now, the Astros are settled on this plan. They hired the GM and they're sticking behind his plan, which obviously went on full rebuilding mode in hopes of bringing as many prospects as possible to find the selected few that would change the ball club. There's still that psychological factor. I'd like to think they have a better idea of his psyche in terms of how he handles promotions and just in general, there were studies that would SUGGEST that young talents brought up along with others tend to fare better. Once again, no definite proof, just statistical data.
Wonder what he thinks of some of our current major leaguers two-strike approaches... cause I don't need to be a blogger to admit that they're downright atrocious.. like beyond atrocious. But again... not sure if the AAA stint is reinforcing bad habits or deterring them... because when he swings and makes contact, the ball is flying everywhere. I was serious when I mentioned that they should have left him at AA. Seems to be more of a challenge, and it is the league with better big league pitching prospects.
You're right..that's one of the counter arguments. I guess the argument back would be, "who cares?" Those aren't players that we have pegged for the longterm...with a cornerstone piece like Springer, we want to be sure.
No point in bringing up Springer right now if Luhnow doesn't think he's ready. It'd be such a shame to bring him up too early. I think he's probably up in September but if not then it isn't the end of the world.
Its funny because that's exactly what they seem to be doing at every corner in order to "defend" the move to keep him down there. Chances are, he's going to strike out a ton... a lot of MLB players nowadays strike out a ton. That just may be the type of player he always is, and an extra month, year, 3 years in the minors may do very little to cure that. His bat speed, foot speed, defense, power, and base-stealing ability is superb. Not all of that will stick with him as he ages, and he'll have to readjust. I just don't feel he has much to prove in the minors. I've enjoyed the discussion... to be honest, I had to skim some of your post due to the lack of paragraphs, but I appreciate the responses. I respect the organization for the most part... and I've even stuck by this nationally embarrassing rebuilding plan (I think the payroll for the front office is currently greater than the players one)... but I'll disagree on how they've handled this situation. Doesn't mean it will turn out bad... also no guarantees that this makes him any better than he is right now (or than he was 6 months ago).
No matter when he comes up, theres going to be an adjustment period. He's probably not going to find his comfort zone till 2015 or 2016. The more MLB pitching he sees, the faster he gets to that comfort zone... IMO.
I agree. Marching Paredes out there just delays Springer's adjustment to the majors. Its not like Paredes is a bubble player that may stay long term with the club. I think his tickertape is about up, if not overdue already.
you're not wrong. i can't argue with any of it. as an aside, always appreciate your perspective here.
Thanks... same to you. Us 99ers gotta stick together. I've been finding myself posting more lately... but I'll be heading back to work soon so I'll go back in hiding (until Texans sundays).
No. physician/surgeon. Finished 10+ years of training and now finally starting a real actual job. Took some time off to clear my head before the next 30+ years, but all I got was into debates about Springer and realized my morning drive time sports radio listening got altered!
OMG, can my 13 year old Astro loving wannabe-physician/surgeon come hang out with you? I'm kidding! That's funny though, because if Morey won't sign him to be a point guard that's exactly what he wants to be.
That's funny because sometimes I wish I could be Morey! That age is around the time I got interested as well (somewhere around the time I was watching the OJ Simpson/Rockets split screen)... its a long road on paper, but I couldn't see myself in any other situation or profession. Its also best when parents don't force it... I know mine didn't (in fact they discouraged it, they foresaw how the business of medicine was going). Let me know if you have any questions or if I could be of any assistance at all.
Thanks for saying that...I will absolutely do that. He is set on med school one day. Long way away from that still, but I've been that hearing that from him for a long time now. Very mature kid..very smart. Thanks.
